Learn about CCDC disability advocacy services

CCDC does Individual and Systemic Advocacy:

Individual advocacy is the process of assisting a member to correct a problem with the system such as obtaining or maintaining a benefit or service or solving a problem with a service provider, landlord, employer, etc. Individual advocacy is NOT case management and is not direct services. Individual advocacy includes but is not limited to representing people at administrative and informal hearings and appeals, attending meetings, or writing letters on behalf of individuals. Individual advocacy is provided by trained non-attorney advocates.

Systemic advocacy (Policy and Legislation) is the process of changing rules or laws that interferes with the rights of people with disabilities. This involves lobbying to change laws or to stop bad ideas from becoming laws or to write new laws. This involves working on committees with state and local agencies to eliminate or change bad regulations or rules or to create policies and rules that work! This can involve creating programs and services that are run by and for people with disabilities.

Our advocacy efforts are always focused on creating independence and equality for people with disabilities. CCDC has been responsible for changes that simultaneously save money and improve quality. Our advocacy embraces our values and our tag line -Nothing About Us Without Us--Ever!

How do you know when to call CCDC?

CCDC is the go-to organization for people with all types of disabilities who need assistance in advocating for themselves and others. Advocacy can take many forms, these are just a few ways that CCDC helps people with disabilities to help themselves.

· When you need assistance regarding access to healthcare.

· When you need assistance regarding a reasonable accommodation at school, in housing or

at a job.

· When you are denied access to services or facilities in violation of the ADA.

· When you want to become active on behalf of the disability community.

What is the best way to utilize CCDC’s supports?

Sometimes people with disabilities need a reasonable accommodation at work, or need a reasonable modification of a policy, practice or procedure when using services – whether governmental or non-governmental services.People with disabilities may also need reasonable accommodations in housing.CCDC helps educate people on what the law requires and sometimes can help people make these requests.For education programs contact CCDC Executive Director Julie Reiskin at jreiskin@ccdconline.org or by calling 303-839-1775.For help with an individual situation contact Donna Sablan Individual Advocacy Coordinator Donna Sablan at dsablan@ccdconline.org or by calling 303-839-1775.

CCDC can support you with a Non-Attorney Advocate in several ways:

Filing Appeals: CCDC assists in filing appeals regarding denial of access to services or essential equipment for the health of you or a family member.

Letter Writing and Phone Calls on Your Behalf:When you are denied access to facilities or services, CCDC can help you to seek reasonable accommodation.

Support in Struggles with Unyielding and Confusing Bureaucratic Systems:CCDC supports people with disabilities in their efforts to utilize and access government services and community service providers. CCDC works with the client to find the way to independence and stability through supports and services that they are entitled to receive.

Maximizing Impact in the Effort to Achieve Social Justice for People With all Types of Disabilities: CCDC provides training, support and supervision to volunteer Advocates who help other individuals and/or work on creating change is systems through participation in various State and Local decision making bodies. Advocates support each other and provide information and guidance to each other in an effort to make sure that we maximize impact for people with all types of disabilities.

CCDC’s employees and/or volunteers are NOT acting as your attorney. Responses you receive via electronic mail, phone, or in any other manner DO NOT create or constitute an attorney-client relationship between you and the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC), or any employee of, or other person associated with, CCDC. The only way an attorney-client relationship is established is if you have a retainer agreement with one of the CCDC Legal Program attorneys.

Information received from CCDC’s employees or volunteers, or from this site, should NOT be considered a substitute for the advice of a lawyer. www.ccdconline.org DOES NOT provide any legal advice, and you should consult with your own lawyer for legal advice. This web site is a general service that provides information over the internet. The information contained on this site is general information and should not be construed as legal advice to be applied to any specific factual situation.